Lakeshore looks to continue Cinderella run against South Terrebonne

There will be a Cinderella story to watch in the Class 4A state championship game in Sulphur.

That is a guarantee as No. 6 Lakeshore and No. 15 South Terrebonne meet in the semifinals Thursday at 2 p.m. at McMurry Park.

It is the second appearance in the semifinals in four years for Lakeshore.

The sixth-seeded Titans (25-9) beat Beau Chene in the opening round before sweeping district rival Franklinton and sweeping No. 3 seed Assumption.

“The Blonde Brigade” has rallied around every player dyeing his hair blonde in a sign of unity.

Morgan Sauber has been dynamite in the postseason, going 3-0.

The run by Lakeshore is not a surprise.

In his first year on the job, Rowland Skinner guided the Titans to the state quarterfinals in 2021.

Skinner has the keys to the kingdom.

A former star player himself at St. Paul’s before playing at the University of New Orleans, Skinner is in his 19th season as a head coach, having served previously in that capacity at Northlake Christian, Mandeville and De La Salle. Skinner won a state title at Northlake Christian in 2009.

Overall, Skinner has simply been outstanding with a record of 392-174.

“I knew I had a group that competes coming off last year,” Skinner said. “This team has come together at the right time. As a group, we’ve come a long way and it is a credit to the kids. The kids came up with the blonde hair for the playoffs and everyone is all in.”

The Gators (19-15) have swept five games in the playoffs after posting a 14-15 regular season mark.

“It is no fluke for any team to get here,” Skinner said. “They were here last year. They play the game the right way and are very scrappy. They have a couple of arms that have thrown well and their lineup is tough.”

Eli Lirette, leadoff hitter and centerfielder. Dominick Letort has pitched well and swung the bat well. Morgan Sauber has been outstanding on the mound as well while Tyler Steed is a standout in left field.

“Eli sets the tone for us,” Skinner said. “Morgan has pitched very well. Dominick has been outstanding. Shortstop Gabe Dalton has been good from the start and is an anchor in our lineup. Steed and Sauber are our only two seniors and they have played like and have been leaders.”

While Lakeshore has been to the semifinals, the Titans have not been to a championship game. To get there would be special.

“The school is excited and the team is excited,” Skinner said. “We have earned this opportunity. The focus is there and the determination is there. We are happy to have the opportunity and hope we can get to Saturday but it will be tough. The community is excited. Lakeshore made it to the semifinals in 2019. We are hoping we can take it a step further. We have put in the work to get here.”